Eye exercises for flexibility

These exercises are particularly useful for those of us who work at computer screens for long persiod of time. They are useful exercises we should encourage our children to practise.

Figure of eights
∞ Increases the flexibility of your eye muscles in a relaxed way.

Instructions

• Take two deep breaths to begin.
• You can either stand or sit with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands at your sides. Do not cross your hands. If you're standing, let your knees bend slightly.
• Imagine a horizontal figure eight (the shape of an infinity symbol) approximately ten feet in front of you.
• Allow your eyes to trace along the figure eight without moving your head. First trace in one direction, then in the opposite direction. Always remember to continue to breathe and blink as your eyes move effortlessly along the figure eight. Be aware of any tension you might be holding in your jaw and let it release.

Near and far focus
Helps to improve the eyes' flexibility as they shift from distance viewing to near visual focus.

Instructions

• Take two deep breaths to begin.
• You can either stand or sit with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands at your sides. Do not cross your hands. If you're standing, let your knees bend slightly.
• Hold your thumb six inches away from your eyes, directly in front of your nose.
• Gaze easily at your thumb and take a deep breath. Next, focus on a distant object at least ten feet away and take a deep breath. Change your focus with every breath. Feel the change in your eye muscles as you shift your focus.